Application for Position Vacancies Policy
Policy Number: 16.02
Category: Human Resources
Effective Date: 08/21/2025
Prior Effective Date: 07/01/2015
Owner: Sr. VP for Administration and Finance
Policy Applicable for: Faculty/Staff
Responsible Office: Human Resources
Scope
Definitions
- Classified Employee is an employee in a position governed by Ohio civil service laws and rules, typically including support and administrative staff.
- Unclassified Unrepresented Employee is an employee in a position not governed by civil service laws and rules and not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
- Internal Applicant is a current University employee who meets the eligibility criteria to apply for position vacancies that are posted internally.
- External Applicant is an individual who is not currently employed by the University or who does not meet the criteria for internal applicant status.
- Regular Appointment is an ongoing appointment that is not temporary, seasonal, or probationary.
- Probationary Period is the initial period of employment during which an employee’s performance and suitability for the position are evaluated.
- Reduction in Force (RIF) is a separation from employment due to budgetary constraints, position elimination, or organizational restructuring, not related to performance or conduct.
- Termination for Cause is a separation from the University due to misconduct, violation of policy, or performance-related issues.
- Rehire Eligibility refers to the conditions under which a former employee may be considered for rehire by the University.
- Posting Period is the defined timeframe during which a position vacancy is advertised and open for applications.
- Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is the online system used by the University to manage job postings and applications.
Purpose
The policy outlines the guidelines and procedures for current and former employees of the University of Cincinnati when applying for position vacancies. It is intended to ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency in the internal application process while supporting the University's commitment to equal opportunity employment.
Policy
1. The University of Cincinnati is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals who believe they are qualified for a posted position vacancy are encouraged to apply. All applicants must apply in the Applicant Tracking System.
2. Internal Applicants – Classified Staff
- A classified University employee who holds a regular appointment and has completed the probationary period may apply for position vacancies as an internal applicant.
- A classified employee who was terminated due to a reduction in force is eligible to apply as an internal applicant for twelve (12) months from the effective date of termination.
3. Internal and External Applicants – Unclassified Unrepresented Staff
- An unclassified unrepresented employee may apply for posted vacancies during the posting period for positions for which they believe they are qualified.
- An unclassified unrepresented employee who is serving their notice period due to a reduction in force may apply as an internal applicant.
- An unclassified unrepresented employee who has been terminated without cause, including through a reduction in force, may apply as an external applicant.
4. Rehire Eligibility of Former Employees
- Former employees seeking rehire must disclose their prior University employment on their job application. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from rehire, regardless of the reason for prior separation.
- Former employees who were terminated for cause may be ineligible for rehire at the University as determined by the job application review process set forth in this policy.
5. Job Application Review
- All job applications are subject to review by Human Resources and the hiring department, including verification of prior University employment, reason for separation, and eligibility for rehire.
6. Interview and Examination Time
- Employees are permitted reasonable release time, as approved in advance by their supervisor, to attend interviews for University positions and to take any required civil service examination(s).